Evergreen Reporter

On February 5, 2025, a federal jury in San Juan, Puerto Rico found María De Lourdes Martínez-Garriga guilty of unlawfully delaying and not delivering election mail. Martínez-Garriga, a former United States Postal Service City Carrier, was convicted for her actions concerning four certified mail envelopes containing ballots for the 2022 Special Election for the District of San Juan.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on August 5, 11, and 15 of 2022, Martínez-Garriga delayed these ballots while she was assigned to the 65th Infantry Postal Office in San Juan. Affected voters testified that they did not receive their requested early vote ballots from the Puerto Rico Elections Commission.

United States Attorney Muldrow emphasized the importance of voting rights: "Our democracy depends on the right of eligible voters to cast a ballot and to have that ballot counted. If voters do not receive their ballots, they cannot execute one of our fundamental rights as United States citizens -- the right to vote." He affirmed that his office would continue working with law enforcement partners to protect this essential societal pillar.

Tammy Hull, Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service stated: "Placing mail into the hands of the Postal Service is an act of public trust all postal employees must uphold. Ms. Martínez violated that trust by delaying the delivery of election mail."

Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office commented on their commitment to protecting democratic processes: "Any attempt to interfere with election mail is a violation of public trust and a threat to the foundation of our democracy."

Three other former U.S. Postal Service employees face similar charges in separate cases awaiting trial. If convicted, each could receive up to five years in prison.

The case investigation was conducted by The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), focusing on ensuring efficiency and integrity within the U.S. Postal Service.

Prosecutors include Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Colón and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tania Salas-De Jesús from USPS-OIG.